A handful of educational groups including the California Student Aid Commission is hosting a series of free forums to provide students help with filling out college financial aid forms.

The final workshop will be held Saturday at the SRJC Petaluma campus 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 644 and 643 Call Hall

There will be professional advisors on hand to help students fill out forms on site. Students are asked to bring the following (provided by the hosts):

Apply for Personal Identification Number (PIN): Before attending the workshop, students and parents should apply for a FAFSA Personal Identification Number (PIN). To apply for a PIN, log onto www.pin.ed.gov . Allow one hour to receive the PIN via email. The PIN is used as the electronic signature and should be brought to the workshop to file the FAFSA.

Student’s Social Security card and number

Student’s Permanent Resident Card (if applicable)

Parent’s Social Security Card and number (if applicable)

Independent student: Your Federal Income Tax Return for 2012 (and your spouse’s Tax Return if you are married). If you have not yet filed your tax return for 2012 and your income did not significantly change, you can use your tax return from 2011. Two of six Definitions of Independent Student: Both parents are deceased, or you are or were until age 18 a ward/dependent of the court.

Dependent student: Your parent’s Federal Income Tax Return for 2012 or if they have not yet filed their tax return for 2012 and their income did not significantly change, they can use their tax return from 2011.

Students and parents, if you had a job in 2012, bring your W-2 forms or, if you do not have your W-2 forms, bring other records of the income you earned that year, such as check stubs.

Students and parents: most recent bank statement.

Any records of untaxed income such as welfare benefits, social security benefits, or child support payments

List of colleges you are interested in attending

The event is co-sponsored by: California Student Aid Commission, 10,000 Degrees, Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma County School Districts.

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Extra Credit by Press Democrat education reporter Jamie Hansen is your place for daily school news and conversation. Send items to jamie.hansen@pressdemocrat.com and check in daily to read, debate and discuss the latest happenings in schools and classrooms around the North Bay.

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